Strengthening Australian Frontline Workers –Evidence, Innovation and System Reform for Workforce Mental Health
Tracks
Monarch Room - In Person Only
| Tuesday, March 3, 2026 |
| 12:55 PM - 1:25 PM |
| Monarch Room |
Overview
Matthew Rodwell & Keith Govias, EML Group
Details
Three Key Learnings:
Translate evidence and guidelines into practical frontline action. This session will explore some of the systemic workplace leadership issues that compound poor mental health and exacerbate underlying conditions and finally identify the critical job design elements which could help with workplace outcomes. Participants will understand how to gain actionable strategies for embedding psychological safety, leverage global research enhancing the quality and consistency of mental health responses within agencies and teams. Strengthen organisational practices that support young and emerging workers. Participants will be able to implement strategies that reduce stigma, improve early intervention pathways and build psychologically safe environments through evidence-based approaches directly informed by the 2025 White Paper findings and 2026 Young Worker research
Translate evidence and guidelines into practical frontline action. This session will explore some of the systemic workplace leadership issues that compound poor mental health and exacerbate underlying conditions and finally identify the critical job design elements which could help with workplace outcomes. Participants will understand how to gain actionable strategies for embedding psychological safety, leverage global research enhancing the quality and consistency of mental health responses within agencies and teams. Strengthen organisational practices that support young and emerging workers. Participants will be able to implement strategies that reduce stigma, improve early intervention pathways and build psychologically safe environments through evidence-based approaches directly informed by the 2025 White Paper findings and 2026 Young Worker research
Speaker
Keith Govias
Workplace Safety & Risk Principal Client Solutions
EML Group
Strengthening Australian Frontline Workers –Evidence, Innovation and System Reform for Workforce Mental Health
Presentation Overview
Australia’s frontline workers is under increasing strain as emergency services, defence, healthcare and community sectors navigate risking complexity. These challenges are particularly acute for younger and emerging workers who face a heighted risk of psychological injury and workplace stressors. In this session, EML will examine how evidence driven insights, updated national clinical guidance and innovative recovery models are shaping workplace mental health systems.
This session examines the significance of EML’s 2024 partnership with the Black Dog Institute to fund and launch the updated PTSD Clinical Treatment Guidelines for Emergency Services Workers. A decade on from EML’s initial investment towards the original 2015 guidelines, the 2024 update strengthens best-practice treatment pathways and provides clearer guidance for practitioners supporting first responders. This investment demonstrates EML’s longstanding commitment to embedding clinical quality, consistency, and system-level reform across frontline environments.
The discussion also explores insights from the 2025 PTSD at Work: Global Perspectives International Forum, co-hosted by EML and Phoenix Australia, bringing together experts from emergency services, healthcare, government and mental health sectors to explore leading global research and approaches to workplace PTSD. This forum spotlighted innovations in early intervention, organisational responsibility, peer-led stress models and moral injury; featuring keynote speakers from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Our learning from the global collaboration provides an essential backdrop for understanding the 2026 frontline context – especially for younger workers entering the workforce and increasingly complex and demanding roles.
Finally, the session also draws on findings from the award-winning 2025 EML Mental Health White Paper: Inside the Minds of Australia’s Workplaces, developed with Monash University and their 2026 research with Melbourne University into risk factors for young workers. Together, these initiatives demonstrate how evidence-based insights and practical interventions can create sustainable mental health systems. By prioritising young workers and addressing systemic challenges, EML is shaping a future where workplaces are safer and actively supportive of mental wellbeing and providing protective factors.
This session examines the significance of EML’s 2024 partnership with the Black Dog Institute to fund and launch the updated PTSD Clinical Treatment Guidelines for Emergency Services Workers. A decade on from EML’s initial investment towards the original 2015 guidelines, the 2024 update strengthens best-practice treatment pathways and provides clearer guidance for practitioners supporting first responders. This investment demonstrates EML’s longstanding commitment to embedding clinical quality, consistency, and system-level reform across frontline environments.
The discussion also explores insights from the 2025 PTSD at Work: Global Perspectives International Forum, co-hosted by EML and Phoenix Australia, bringing together experts from emergency services, healthcare, government and mental health sectors to explore leading global research and approaches to workplace PTSD. This forum spotlighted innovations in early intervention, organisational responsibility, peer-led stress models and moral injury; featuring keynote speakers from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Our learning from the global collaboration provides an essential backdrop for understanding the 2026 frontline context – especially for younger workers entering the workforce and increasingly complex and demanding roles.
Finally, the session also draws on findings from the award-winning 2025 EML Mental Health White Paper: Inside the Minds of Australia’s Workplaces, developed with Monash University and their 2026 research with Melbourne University into risk factors for young workers. Together, these initiatives demonstrate how evidence-based insights and practical interventions can create sustainable mental health systems. By prioritising young workers and addressing systemic challenges, EML is shaping a future where workplaces are safer and actively supportive of mental wellbeing and providing protective factors.
Biography
Keith Govias is a senior Workplace Health and Safety, Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management professional with extensive experience leading safety and risk strategies across complex organisations. He is currently Workplace Safety and Risk Principal at EML and has previously held senior roles with major Australian organisations including Myer, Harris Scarfe, The Reject Shop and Kraft Foods. Keith brings deep expertise across workers’ compensation, public liability schemes and organisational risk maturity. He holds a Master’s in OHSE Management, a Graduate Certificate in OHS Management, and is a Vincent Fairfax Fellow in Ethical Leadership. Keith is a highly respected contributor to safety, mental health and ethical leadership discussions.
Mr Matt Rodwell
General Manager - Insurance For Nsw
EML Group
Strengthening Australian Frontline Workers –Evidence, Innovation and System Reform for Workforce Mental Health
Presentation Overview
Australia’s frontline workers is under increasing strain as emergency services, defence, healthcare and community sectors navigate risking complexity. These challenges are particularly acute for younger and emerging workers who face a heighted risk of psychological injury and workplace stressors. In this session, EML will examine how evidence driven insights, updated national clinical guidance and innovative recovery models are shaping workplace mental health systems.
This session examines the significance of EML’s 2024 partnership with the Black Dog Institute to fund and launch the updated PTSD Clinical Treatment Guidelines for Emergency Services Workers. A decade on from EML’s initial investment towards the original 2015 guidelines, the 2024 update strengthens best-practice treatment pathways and provides clearer guidance for practitioners supporting first responders. This investment demonstrates EML’s longstanding commitment to embedding clinical quality, consistency, and system-level reform across frontline environments.
The discussion also explores insights from the 2025 PTSD at Work: Global Perspectives International Forum, co-hosted by EML and Phoenix Australia, bringing together experts from emergency services, healthcare, government and mental health sectors to explore leading global research and approaches to workplace PTSD. This forum spotlighted innovations in early intervention, organisational responsibility, peer-led stress models and moral injury; featuring keynote speakers from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Our learning from the global collaboration provides an essential backdrop for understanding the 2026 frontline context – especially for younger workers entering the workforce and increasingly complex and demanding roles.
Finally, the session also draws on findings from the award-winning 2025 EML Mental Health White Paper: Inside the Minds of Australia’s Workplaces, developed with Monash University and their 2026 research with Melbourne University into risk factors for young workers. Together, these initiatives demonstrate how evidence-based insights and practical interventions can create sustainable mental health systems. By prioritising young workers and addressing systemic challenges, EML is shaping a future where workplaces are safer and actively supportive of mental wellbeing and providing protective factors.
This session examines the significance of EML’s 2024 partnership with the Black Dog Institute to fund and launch the updated PTSD Clinical Treatment Guidelines for Emergency Services Workers. A decade on from EML’s initial investment towards the original 2015 guidelines, the 2024 update strengthens best-practice treatment pathways and provides clearer guidance for practitioners supporting first responders. This investment demonstrates EML’s longstanding commitment to embedding clinical quality, consistency, and system-level reform across frontline environments.
The discussion also explores insights from the 2025 PTSD at Work: Global Perspectives International Forum, co-hosted by EML and Phoenix Australia, bringing together experts from emergency services, healthcare, government and mental health sectors to explore leading global research and approaches to workplace PTSD. This forum spotlighted innovations in early intervention, organisational responsibility, peer-led stress models and moral injury; featuring keynote speakers from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Our learning from the global collaboration provides an essential backdrop for understanding the 2026 frontline context – especially for younger workers entering the workforce and increasingly complex and demanding roles.
Finally, the session also draws on findings from the award-winning 2025 EML Mental Health White Paper: Inside the Minds of Australia’s Workplaces, developed with Monash University and their 2026 research with Melbourne University into risk factors for young workers. Together, these initiatives demonstrate how evidence-based insights and practical interventions can create sustainable mental health systems. By prioritising young workers and addressing systemic challenges, EML is shaping a future where workplaces are safer and actively supportive of mental wellbeing and providing protective factors.
Biography
Matthew Rodwell is the General Manager of EML’s Insurance for NSW business, leading government agency workers’ compensation portfolios including NSW Police, Fire and Rescue NSW, Ambulance NSW and NSW Health. With thirteen years at EML, he has held senior roles across Self Insurance and NSW Managed Funds. Matt brings extensive leadership experience in complex environments and is accountable for financial performance, strategy, governance, compliance and senior stakeholder engagement. A values based leader, he is known for developing high performing teams, challenging conventional thinking and applying evidence based, risk balanced decision making. His experience in professional sport informs his collaborative, resilient leadership approach.
